Vacuo-thermal massage appliance



June 1 1938. e. A. SEWAR D VACUO-THERMAL MASSAGE APPLIANCE Filed June 24, '19s? /3 :Invenfor A? ''eofyeji Seward- A itomeys- Patented June 14, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFlCE 1 Claim.

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in the general art of surgery, and more particularly to an appliance whereby suction can be created on infected sores, boils, blood tumors and the like.

An important object of the invention is to provide an appliance of this character which can be easily operated without discomfort to the patient.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an appliance of the character stated which will be effective in operation, and not susceptible to the ready development of defects.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an appliance of the character stated which in use can serve to apply heat as the draw ing operation is being performed.

These and various other important objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 represents a top plan view of the de vice.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the lamp or heating unit.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view, partly in section, showing one of the body contactors.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of another form of body contactor.

Referring to the drawing, wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that the appliance includes an elongated, preferably glass, tube 5, having a reduced inner end portion 5 provided with internal threads for receiving the threaded portion 1 of the socket structure of the lamp or heating unit 8. The socket structure is also provided with threads 9. The threaded portions 1-4! are threaded in opposite directions and are separated by the circumferential outstanding flange I which abuts the upper end of the tube when the lamp base structure is in place.

Numeral H denotes the usual cord attached socket which is disposed over the threaded portion 9 of the lamp base.

The lamp or heating element 8 depends into the tube 5 as shown in Figure 2, and it is preferable that the lower end of the tube 5 be flared outwardly as at 12. Just inwardly of the flared end portion 12, the tube 5 is provided with a circumferentially extending internal channel or groove 13 and this may be employed for receiving the circumferential rib l4 on the soft rubber body contactor l5 or the circumferential rib [5 of the cylindrical shaped body contactor II. The body contactor I5 is of the flared type. Contactor I5 or l1 can be used interchangeably depending upon the extent of the disorder. Furthermore, it is preferable to use these contactors 5 as they can be easily sterilized.

A nipple l8 extends laterally from the tube 5 and has a hand pump or bulb l9 connected thereto.

Obviously, with one of the body contactors IS in 10 place at the flared end l2, or in fact, without one of these contactors, the bulb I9 is first compressed and the flared end l2 placed over the breast or body disorder while the lamp 8 is energized. When sufficient heat has been applied, the bulb I9 can be released and the suction will exert a drawing action on the boil or other disorder, causing its eruption and the extraction of any morbid matter therein.

To treat a boil or carbuncle, if it is all ready to open and if the skin is not broken, inject a small amount of cocaine and then make a minute incision. Subsequently apply the instrument after moistening the flared end thereof. The lamp should then be energized and the instrument held for five or ten minutes in position over the infection. The pump can now be operated to cause a vacuum and this may be repeated every few minutes until the pus from the infection starts to flow. Further action of the pump will cause the displacement of the core of the infection.

The heat from the electric bulb and the moisture will ease the pain as the vacuum is being applied. Water may be applied to the area around the infection to afford the desired amount of moisture to keep the skin soft.

In treating an ulcer of long standing, the suction effect will draw out the tissue and cause the' blood to circulate around the sore, allowing 40 the sore to heal much quicker, the light affording certain healing rays.

The pressure can be made intermittent thus giving a vibration to the infected area which will increase blood circulation. The lamp may be of the violet or ultra-violet ray type to afford beneficial result during application of the instrument.

In treating inverted nipples, application of the suction will serve to hold the nipple out.

In the case of blood tumors,a slight incision can 5 be made and blood removed by this instrument.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size, and materials may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

A surgical appliance of the character described comprising a hollow body open at one end, a heating element extending into the body from the opposite end, and means for creating a suction in the said body, said heating element being provided with a base portion having right and left hand threaded areas, one of the said areas being threadedly disposed into one end of the body and the other area projecting from the body for 5 engagement into a conductor socket.

GEORGE ALFRED SEWARD. 

